By Jesse Ampah Owusu, GNA
Accra, Nov. 9, GNA – Ms Celestina Aidoo, Executive Director of Nova Impact, a not-for-profit, technology-driven organisation, has urged the government to prioritise funding and mentorship programmes for young entrepreneurs.
She said many young people had innovative ideas but lacked the necessary guidance and financial support to develop and expand their businesses.
“There are a lot of youth with plenty of innovations. Some, if they have the right funding, it would go a long way. So, if there could be a policy that supports innovators with funding, it would go a long way,” she said.
Ms Aidoo noted that although institutions such as the Ghana Enterprise Agency and other state agencies had introduced initiatives to support entrepreneurs, effective implementation remained critical.
“We know there is the Ghana Enterprise Agency and other state institutions, but my focus is on implementation because they can have the right initiatives and ideas, but if we are not seeing the impacts, it becomes a problem,” she added.
She made these remarks on Saturday at the 2026 Ghana Youth Tech Summit, held at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The event was organised by Nova Impact and funded by Expertise France, with support from the European Union in Ghana.
The summit is a leading youth-focused innovation and future-readiness platform that brings together young innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry leaders, investors and ecosystem builders to shape the future of Ghana’s digital economy.
It seeks to provide young people with access to the skills, networks, knowledge, partnerships and support systems needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and innovation-driven world.
Ms Aidoo also called for stronger collaboration among the government, private sector and youth-led organisations to create a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs.
She encouraged young innovators to look beyond Ghana and explore opportunities in international markets, particularly with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr Bako Ambianda, Chief Executive Officer of Bako Group Holdings, a pan-African investment holding company, urged young people to move beyond being consumers of technology and become creators, innovators, builders and investors capable of shaping the continent’s future.
He advised entrepreneurs to develop the ability to communicate their business models effectively, demonstrate business growth, practise financial discipline and establish meaningful relationships with investors.
Mr Ambianda stressed the importance of capital and strategic partnerships, noting that access to finance remained one of the major challenges facing African entrepreneurs.
“Capital follows opportunity, credibility, strong execution and the ability to generate sustainable returns. As young entrepreneurs, prepare yourselves to attract investment. We don’t just invest in businesses or ideas; we invest in people,” he added.
Meanwhile, three finalists pitched their business ideas at the Nova Venture Fund Pitch competition during the summit, following a three-week accelerator training programme.
Osborn Nartey of HomeBoss emerged as the overall winner and received a cash prize of GH¢5,000. Farida Issah of AquaSentinel Labs came second, while Papa Yaw Sarpong Mensah of Kyndbook placed third.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
9 Nov. 2026
Reporter: Jesse Ampah Owusu
Email: [email protected]